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2w ago

Reports Say FIFA Weighs 48-Team, Biennial Club World Cup After 2029

Calendar commitments through 2030 keep the next edition in 2029 despite mounting pushback, including an EU complaint over market dominance.

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Der FC Chelsea reckte die Trophäe bei der ersten Klub-WM mit 32 Teams in die Höhe
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Overview

  • The Guardian reports that FIFA is studying a 48-team field as early as 2029 and a two-year cycle starting thereafter, with no final decision yet.
  • With the international match calendar locked through 2030, a 2027 Club World Cup is viewed as unrealistic and any new cadence would likely begin in 2031.
  • Real Madrid raised the biennial idea in June talks in Miami, with Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Napoli reported as supportive.
  • Opposition has intensified as World Leagues, backed by FIFPRO, filed a complaint to the European Commission alleging abuse of dominance, and Premier League chief Richard Masters criticized a lack of consultation.
  • Options under review include lifting the two-club-per-country cap and altering the June international window, a move that would conflict with UEFA’s Nations League finals according to reporting.